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Author Shows Us The Softer Side (Yes, It Exists) Of MMA’s Only Female ‘Cyborg’

Cyborgs aren’t supposed to have emotions. They’re supposed to be relentless killing machines dressed in leather jackets and dark sunglasses, with an uncanny resemblance to former bodybuilders. They’re supposed to speak with a thick accent. They’re supposed to let nothing stand in their way as they hunt down semi-helpless children in an attempt to alter the course of humanity.

At least, that’s what the 80’s taught us. Right?

And just like that square-jawed terminator from the 80’s, Cris ‘Cyborg’ Santos wears leather jackets, dark shades, speaks with a thick accent, and has the intimidating look of a former bodybuilder, ready to rip your arms out of their sockets at a moment’s notice. And whether she’s in a cage or a ring, she’s every bit as violent, dangerous and seemingly indestructible as those red-eyed machines from the future. But the story you’re about to read will show a softer side… a side that resembles the second iteration of that intimidating cyborg from the 80’s – the kinder, gentler cyborg. The one that – when you get past that titanium-hard exterior – seems to care about the people around them. The one that takes the children under their wing. The one that seems vulnerable, quiet and shy.

I pull into the parking lot at Cooper MMA / Jiu Jitsu in Austin, Texas, about half an hour early. The building looks empty, so I sit in my car and wonder why I ever thought I could hang with any group of people taking a Muay Thai seminar with Cris “Cyborg.”This isn’t my gym. I don’t know if I should be here.

In my rearview mirror I see a group of people get out of a car and pull shin guards and gloves out of their trunk. I guess it’s okay to go in. I step out of my car.

Oh, shit, that’s Cyborg.

I get back in the car.

Cyborg is possibly the most dangerous woman in MMA, with a fitting nickname. When she fights she’s relentless and brutal, something more than human, moving faster and punching harder than you can believe. She is freaking scary. And I’m a little terrified.

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